An Arcata man accused of fatally stabbing another man on the Arcata Plaza last week pleaded not guilty during an arraignment this afternoon.

Brandon Matthew Watson, 26, was arrested by investigators with the Arcata Police Department on Saturday in connection with the stabbing death of 26-year-old Peter ‘Bo’ Samuel Triantos, who was found lying in the street outside The Jam in the early morning hours on Oct. 25.

At today’s arraignment, Watson was represented by Conflict Counsel R.J. Leohner and pleaded not guilty to one charge of first-degree murder and denied a special allegation he personally used a deadly weapon. Watson did not waive time, meaning his preliminary hearing must be held within 60 days of the arraignment.

“I acknowledge receipt of the felony complaint and waive further reading,” Leohner said. “Mr. Watson will plead not guilty to the charge and deny the special allegation.”

Arcata Police officers who responded to the scene found Triantos suffering from an apparent stab wound.

Arcata Police Chief Rick Ehle said last week that officers began life-saving efforts and said Triantos “was still alive and somewhat lucid and we did get a very short statement” before he succumbed to his injuries at Mad River Community Hospital in Arcata.

There were several supporters of Peter Triantos in the courtroom including his father, Pete Triantos of Birmingham, Alabama.

Pete Triantos got increasingly upset as the hearing progressed Wednesday and spent his time staring directly at Watson before saying at one point, “that motherf—er murdered my son.”

Pete Triantos posted a heartfelt message to Facebook in the days following the stabbing, referring to his son by the nickname, ‘Bo’.

“With tremendous sadness and a heavy heart, Mimi and I are making arrangements for our son on his journey to be with the Lord. Bo was everything to us and with the love being received from all of you, we know he was truly loved and that is comforting,” Pete Triantos wrote. “He had such a sweet spirit and beautiful soul. He is now listening to his favorite tunes and dancing that little jig he did and on his way to paradise where we will see him again. He was our everything. We are in California where we will have a small ceremony with his friends and will soon celebrate his life in Birmingham and will let you know. All we need are just prayers so please pray for Bo, Mimi and I. Especially for our son, Bo.”

As Pete Triantos exited the courtroom his anger boiled over and he was embraced by another man in the hallway, his sobs audible enough to catch the attention of bailiffs in courtroom four. That led Deputy District Attorney Joel Buckingham, who was assigned to prosecute Watson, to quickly usher Pete Triantos and the others into a private room where they held a short 10-minute meeting.

Watson, who appeared in court in custody, wearing handcuffs and jail-issued clothing, also had a black eye. He was separated from other inmates seated in the jury box and stood next to Leohner during the short hearing.

An intervention hearing has been scheduled for Nov. 7 ahead of a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 13. Watson remains in custody and Judge Bruce Watson set bail at $1,050,000.